Peer Reviewed Papers
Effects of (-)-epicatechin on myocardial infarct size and left ventricular remodeling after permanent coronary occlusion
Objectives: We examined the effects of the flavanol (-)-epicatechin on short- and long-term infarct size and left ventricular (LV) structure and function after permanent coronary occlusion (PCO) and the potential involvement of the protective protein kinase B (AKT)/extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) signaling pathways. Background: (-)-epicatechin reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients and limits infarct size in animal models of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, nothing is known about its effects on infarction after PCO.
(-)-Epicatechin-induced calcium independent eNOS activation: roles of HSP90 and AKT
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading determinant of mortality and morbidity in the world. Epidemiologic studies suggest that flavonoid intake plays a role in the prevention of CVD. Consumption of cocoa products rich in flavonoids lowers blood pressure and improves endothelial function in healthy subjects as well as in subjects with vascular dysfunction such as smokers and diabetics. The vascular actions of cocoa follow the stimulation of nitric oxide (NO). These actions can be reproduced by the administration of the cocoa flavanol (-)-epicatechin (EPI). Previously, using human endothelial cells cultured in calcium-free media, we documented EPI effects on eNOS independently
Stimulatory effects of the flavanol (-)-epicatechin on cardiac angiogenesis: Additive effects with exercise
The consumption of moderate amounts of cocoa products has been associated with reductions in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. In animal studies, the flavanol (-)-epicatechin (Epi) yields cardioprotection. The effects may be partly due to its capacity to stimulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The sustained activation of eNOS as observed with exercise, can serve as a trigger of muscle angiogenesis via the activation of VEGF related events. Experiments were pursued to examine the potential of Epi to stimulate myocardial angiogenesis and determine the effects that its combined use with exercise (Ex) may trigger. Hearts obtained from a previous study
Cardiometabolic Alterations in Wistar Rats Induced By an ObesogenicPaigen-Like Diet: Effects of (-) Epicatechin
Background and objective: The Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is suggested to develop from –among other factorsinadequate diet. To explore its pathophysiology, animal models of diet-induced obesity and its comorbidities are oftenused, although not all of them produce the same cardiometabolic alterations. Regarding novel therapeutic options, (-)-epicatechin (EPI), the most abundant polyphenol in cacao exerts several beneficial effects on MS features. Therefore, we aimed to test the effects of EPI in the cardiometabolic derangements of rats fed with a diet with added, sugar, saturated fat, added with cholesterol and cholate (Paigen-like diet, PD).
The cardioprotective effects of (-)-Epicatechin are mediated through arginase activity inhibition in a murine model of ischemia/reperfusion
The production of nitric oxide (NO) by nitric oxide synthases (NOS) depends on the bioavailability of L-arginine as NOS competes with arginase for this common substrate. As arginase activity increases, less NO is produced and adverse cardiovascular consequences can emerge. (-)-Epicatechin (EPI), the most abundant flavonoid in cacao, has been reported to stimulate endothelial and neuronal NOS expression and function leading to enhanced vascular function and cardioprotective effects. However, little is known about the effects of EPI on myocardial arginase activity. The aim of the present study was to determine if EPI is able to interact and modulate myocardial arginase
